FanPost

My Observations of Lions- Raiders from My Leather Recliner

A lot of good last night from the Lions, plus quite a bit of bad. This is some of what I thought as I watched last night, like anyone cares. First, the overall team. Way too many penalties, but no turnovers. If the Lions play clean, they will be real tough to beat. The first team is real good everywhere. This team has a lot of talent. We have 6 starting players who were top 10 picks in the draft, this is a talented team. Caldwell is a perfect fit for what we needed, and I like what I am seeing. The Lions will blow a few teams away this year. I will go over the team by position groups, just listing what I thought. I tried to do this before I read and watched too many others peoples opinions.

The defensive line played much better. Lots of pressure, from a lot of people. Personally, I thought Fairley put in a strong effort in his limited plays. He got quite a bit of penetration. Jones, Taylor, and George Johnson all played well. Webster looks like a future beast so far, have to like him. Tapp once again seemed to disappear, he might be in trouble.

At LB, we are very solid and 6 deep, and I think that there is a big drop off after Lewis. I think the 6 LBs will be what we keep.

Our secondary is not the huge weakness that it is made out to be, the starting 4 guys are solid. Lawson will make the team, but is still pretty green. Bentley is avg to slightly below avg in the slot. I thought that Drayton Florence and Green both played poorly, both got beaten numerous times. And Greenwood made the team last night. Played a really solid game with the second team secondary. At Safety, Quddis is a keeper, big battle between Carey, Couplin, and Gomes for the 4th safety spot. I don't see us keeping 5 safeties, but I see 6 CBs on the final roster.

On offense, the O line was poor last night. Waddle won the starting spot last night, because Hillard was terrible. Rodney Austin also had a poor game. Lucas wasn't that good either, but you have to see his future is brighter than some of the others. I think we keep the 5 starters, Swanson, Hilliard, Lucas, and Garrett Reynolds. Reynolds did not play with the second team last night, but the second team was awful as a group. He has started for the Falcons, I think he can be a versatile and solid backup. Don't know if the Lions agree yet though. Williams is a wild card here, he looked pretty decent last night, I can't wait to see the PFF scores of these guys.

Ebron looked real good last night. Our 3 TEs are solid and obvious. Our 4th TE might be on the PS, he is a decent player, Jordan Thompson. WR is a deeper group than expected. A lot of players making case for themselves. I'm sure TJ Jones will go on the PUP, and Riddick is gonna play some slot for sure, as will Ebron, so I think we will only keep 5 guys. Calvin, Tate, Ross, and Broyles seem to be sure things, so a 3 way battle for the 5th spot between Durham, Ogletree and Fuller has developed. Right now, I think Durham wins that, Fuller goes back to the PS, and Ogletree is cut. But it is close. Peacock will be on the PS if we can get him there.

RB is solid. LeShoure is going to make the team or be traded, Winn is headed to the PS. I think we keep Owens over Collins because of ST play. But both are good. Probably 5 RBs total. We have 7 good players back there though.

Stafford was perfect last night, his only incompletion was dropped by Bush. Threw accurate passes to the right guy every play. Orlovsky was as good as he can be also, even though the line was awful for him. Threw to the right people, almost got one picked over the middle, but that was a bad pattern by Ross. Moore was Moore, weak armed and smart. Because Dano is so bad, I think that we will keep,all 3 guys, because if Stafford goes down, They know Orlovsky might be so bad that we will need another possibility. I just do not think Dano can lead any team to a winning record in the NFL, even with this much talent around him. He is horrible, always has been. If Stafford gets hurt, fans will be calling for Moore after about 2 qtrs of Dano. Stay healthy Matt!

We are the most talented team in the NFC North. Chicago looked awful on Defense so far, GB is good but they do not have our talent, but they do have Rodgers. They are weaker in both lines and at receiver than they have been. Can't wait for September!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride Of Detroit or its writers.